News Release
DFI President Highlights Priorities for 2005 at AGM
April 22, 2005
"Downtown Fredericton President Reports 2004 Was a Banner Year for the Organization"
Fredericton, NB (April 22, 2005) Mark LeBlanc, President of Downtown Fredericton Inc. stated the establishment and contributions of four Advisory Sub-Committees helped the organization achieve a greater level of success in his report to members at the Corporation’s Annual General Meeting held earlier this week.
“In my view, establishing these committees was perhaps the single most significant step taken by the Board in 2004,” stated LeBlanc. “These committees enabled us to focus on some very specific areas that were identified in our Membership Survey undertaken in the summer of 2004. I would like to extend thanks to members of the Security, Finance, Strategic Development and Marketing & Communications Committees for donating their valuable time to help improve our downtown.”
Four hundred and twenty five (425) surveys were distributed to members and received a response rate of 26%. LeBlanc stated, “The feedback we received confirmed to us that overall our downtown is a prosperous, safe and great place to work and play, however, there were areas identified for improvement. These include the need for an increased level of security in the downtown; increased parking; development of business retention and recruitment strategies; and the continued beautification of our downtown,” LeBlanc added.
Key achievements highlighted for 2004 included announcement of the new E-Plex and Parking Facility on the East end of the City. LeBlanc congratulated Mayor Woodside and City Councillors for launching this ambitious $15 million capital project.
“This project will go a long way towards addressing the chronic parking issues that have been prevalent in our downtown. The E-Plex will also act as a catalyst for future development and will only mean great things for our membership, “stated LeBlanc.
Installation of year-round LED lighting in the mature trees along Queen Street in the Historic Garrison District; launch of an innovative 3D animated commercial production for the downtown Christmas campaign, a one of a kind production for Atlantic Canada; launch of security initiatives including a new grafitti removal program, security lighting program; and poster removal program were also key initiatives undertaken in 2004.
President LeBlanc announced continued support for festivals and events stating their importance as a growing area of opportunity for the downtown as economic generators and vehicles to increase the energy and vibrancy of downtown.
Future initiatives for the organization include: a continued focus on security taking a lead role in facilitating discussions between members, the City Police and other key stakeholders in the downtown core; an ambitious marketing plan including a downtown market analysis and development of recommendations for new business recruitment and retention strategies; and riverfront development with Downtown Fredericton Inc. taking a lead role with preliminary actions to study and determine riverfront development opportunities that could benefit the downtown and the City as a whole.
“We will also be doing whatever we can to partner with other stakeholders on any issue that affects our downtown. We are always ready and willing to do our part,” added LeBlanc. “
“I look forward to another year as President of DFI and being able to see our City’s Downtown continue to prosper.”
Contact:
Mark LeBlanc, President Downtown Fredericton Inc. Cell 460-8275
Bruce McCormack, General Manager Downtown Fredericton Inc. 458-8923